motte de beurre
The English phrase "stick of butter" is translated into French as motte de beurre.
The phrase refers to a rectangular portion of butter produced in a specific standard size.
Did you know?
- The term motte is famously linked to the 'motte-and-bailey' castle, where a 'motte' was the man-made mound of earth used for fortification.
- The French word beurre shares its distant roots with the Ancient Greek word βούτῡρον, which literally translated to 'cow-cheese'.
- While 'stick of butter' is a standard measurement in the US, butter in France is typically sold in plaquettes (flat slabs) or blocks of 250 grams. A motte de beurre often refers to a more rustic or homemade portion.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are in the kitchen preparing to bake.
- HugoManon, est-ce qu'il reste une motte de beurre ?Manon, is there a stick of butter left?
- ManonNon, je l'ai utilisée pour le petit-déjeuner.No, I used it for breakfast.
- HugoD'accord, je vais en chercher au magasin.Okay, I will go get some at the store.
- ManonMerci, Hugo, tu es très gentil.Thanks, Hugo, you are very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beurre, de, motte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
